(SA) External Sales Representative (DUR)

Pacific International Lines; Durban; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is seeking an externally oriented Sales professional to join the Durban team. You will develop and grow a portfolio of existing and prospective customers, promoting PIL’s shipping, logistics and value-added solutions while delivering a responsive, solutions-led customer experience.

You will manage the sales process from lead generation to onboarding, build strong commercial relationships, and travel within the territory as required to secure new business and

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies or related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ external sales, business development or account management experience in liner shipping, logistics or freight forwarding.
• Proven ability to acquire new customers, grow existing accounts and meet targets.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and confidence engaging customers at different levels.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities aligned with PIL's commercial objectives.
• Prospect for potential customers through market research, networking and industry engagement.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline and convert opportunities into confirmed business.
• Meet targets for volume, revenue, contribution and customer acquisition.
• Promote PIL’s ocean freight products, logistics solutions and value-added offerings.
• Record customer visits and sales activities in company systems.
• Maintain strong commercial relationships and understand customer requirements.

Skills

External sales

Business development

Account management

Negotiation skills

Customer engagement

Education

Degree or Diploma in Business/Marketing/Logistics

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

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South Africa

DRIVING CONNECTIVITY

Chart your Course with PIL

With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you’re fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as a part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.

At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore, and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.

We are looking for a commercially driven and customer-focused External Sales Representativeto join our Durban team. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident sales professional who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities and turning market insight into sustainable business As an External Sales Executive, you will develop, manage and grow a portfolio of existing and prospective customers by securing sustainable volume, revenue and profitability growth. You will play a key role in promoting PIL’s shipping, logistics and value-added solutions while delivering a responsive, reliable and solutions-led customer experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Account Growth:

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities in line with PIL's commercial objectives.
• Prospect for potential customers through market research, networking activities, referrals and industry engagement.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline, ensuring opportunities are progressed and converted into confirmed business.
• Achieve agreed volume, revenue, contribution and customer acquisition targets.
• Canvass cargo opportunities and secure bookings across PIL's service network.
• Prepare, submit and proactively follow up freight quotations and commercial proposals.
• Participate in customer tenders, contract renewals and freight agreement negotiations within approved authority levels.
• Manage commercial opportunities from lead generation through to successful implementation and onboarding.

Solution Selling & Product Promotion:

• Promote PIL's ocean freight products, logistics solutions, intermodal services, digital solutions and other value-added offerings.
• Understand customers' end-to-end supply chain requirements and recommend appropriate commercial solutions.
• Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across PIL's broader service portfolio.

CRM, Reporting & Administration:

• Record customer visits, sales activities and opportunity progress in line with company requirements.
• Monitor opportunity conversion ratios and booking performance against agreed targets.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong commercial relationships across assigned customer accounts to increase customer retention and wallet share.
• Conduct regular customer visits, sales calls and business reviews to understand customer requirements and identify growth opportunities.
• Act as the primary commercial contact for assigned customers and serve as the voice of the customer within the organisation.
• Maintain awareness of shipping market developments, trade trends, customer requirements and competitor activities.
• Gather and share market intelligence to support pricing, service development and commercial decision-making.
• Monitor customer developments and identify emerging opportunities or commercial risks within the market.
• Contribute customer and market insights during commercial reviews and planning discussions.

MUST HAVE:

• A Degree or Diploma in Business, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in external sales, business development or account management within liner shipping, logistics or freight forwarding.
• Proven ability to acquire new customers, grow existing accounts and deliver against commercial targets.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and confidence in engaging customers at different levels.

WE VALUE:

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• A customer-first mindset, with strong ownership, follow-through and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, customers and commercial opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s licence, own car and willingness to travel regularly within the assigned territory.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a leading global carrier with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Eligibility to Apply:

This position is open to South African nationals or individuals who currently have the legal right to work in South Africa. Please note that applicants without this eligibility will not be considered.

About Us

Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the world’s top container shipping lines and is also the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi-purpose vessels.

Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services.

PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value-adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk, and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on “Driving Connectivity” and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready shipping line.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.